I’m writing a poem about Emily Davison hitch-hiking on the A14. That might not be how you expected this to start, but it’s all true. I’m sat in a sixteenth century hall on the edge of Cambridge, and I’m writing poetry about a dead American poet.

The CILIP FE Inquiry ran from April 2016 - January 2017 and has produced a brand new framework, FE librarians deliver successful learning journeys - designed as an advocacy tool to promote the value of professionally qualified librarians and your services to college principals, Senior Management Teams (SMT), staff and students.

Why not join us for an Ethics Review workshop at 3.00pm on Thursday 12 October at CILIP finishing at 4.30pm – just before the CILIP AGM! Learn about the Review. Help us identify the big issues facing the profession and members in their work.

Prison librarian

Prison librarians are responsible for the day to day running of the prison library, providing a neutral and non-judgemental environment for prisoners, outside the formal education and learning provision within the prison. This role is about providing access to books and improving information and digital literacy skills. These are skills that have a significant impact upon the employment opportunities for prisoners on release especially their ability to apply for jobs online.

The librarian is also responsible for the line management of library staff and volunteers and will need to manage the library budget. Service delivery, collection management and reader development will also fall under their remit. Reader development activities may include the Storybook Dads and Six Book Challenge initiatives.

Qualifications

An accredited Library and Information qualification is usually required

Chartered Membership of CILIP (MCLIP) is advantageous in demonstrating an ongoing engagement with the profession.

An IT qualification such ECDL or equivalent may be desirable

Skills

An ability to identify needs and relevant sources of information and organise and disseminate information

An ability to select stock and make decisions about different types of materials

A passion for literacy and reading

An ability to manage budgets

An ability to develop effective partnerships

An ability to demonstrate social inclusiveness in the way the library delivers services to the prison community

Good IT skills specifically with the Internet, Microsoft Office and library management systems

An ability to teach information and digital literacy skills

An ability to line manage library staff and volunteers

An awareness of current developments in Prison Library and Public Library Services

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

A commitment to the Skills for Life agenda and Lifelong Learning

A resilience to cope with the unique requirements of working within the prison environment